COVID-19: Resources and Supports for New York Children and Families

As New York City continues to face unprecedented challenges with the
spread of COVID-19, the health and well-being of all New Yorkers
remain forefront in our minds. The outbreak of the novel coronavirus
(COVID-19) is a global public health crisis that presents risks and
consequences for all New Yorkers.

To support our network of providers, advocates, and families we have
compiled a list of resources for New Yorkers who need to access food
and income supports, health and mental health care, remote learning
resources, and more.

We welcome anyone to send us resources and information to include on
this page by contacting Laura Jankstrom at
ljankstrom@cccnewyork.org.

You can also stay tuned to CCC advocacy updates
via e-mail and
social media, and we hope
our existing resources will be helpful to you in understanding child and
family well-being across New York City:

Keeping Track of New York City’s Children: 2020 Download CCC’s
latest data book illustrating welcomed and worrisome trends facing
NYC’s children and families

Explore the most comprehensive database on child and family
well-being at the municipal level at
data.cccnewyork.org.

CCC’s blog will be
updated with information on what we know about the needs of children and
families through our work with coalitions and partners in the
nonprofit sector and we will keep the public informed as we leverage
our data and advocacy work to respond to those needs in light of
COVID.

Covid-19 Info & Updates

NYC COVID-19 Text Updates

For COVID-19 updates from the Mayor’s Office, text “COVID” to
692-692, or text “COVIDESP” to 692-692 for updates in Spanish.

WHO Messaging Services

WHO has launched a dedicated messaging services in Arabic,
English, French and Spanish with partners WhatsApp and Facebook
to keep people safe from coronavirus. This messaging service
provides the latest news and information on coronavirus
including details on symptoms and how people can protect
themselves and others. It also provides the latest situation
reports and numbers in real-time to help government
decision-makers protect the health of their populations.

New York State Multiple Systems Navigator

Access helpful health, education, human service and disability information on one user-friendly website.
Built for youth, parents, family members and caregivers that rely on supports from multiple child and family serving systems.

Income Supports

NYC Human Resources Administration

HRA now to accept Cash Assistance (CA) applications online. The
interview portion of the CA application process is being
conducted by telephone. SNAP applications, and those for
emergency benefits such as utility or rent arrears, continue to
be available online through ACCESS HRA.

Virtual Workforce1 Career Center

Workforce1 helps New Yorkers prepare for, and connect to, jobs
across New York City’s five boroughs and in every sector of the
economy. The Virtual Workforce1 Career Center system connects
New Yorkers, via web or phone, to one-on-one help from
professionals who can help.

1199 Employment Center

If you are a retired 1199SEIU member or someone seeking
employment in healthcare, your skills are needed now more than
ever. 1199SEIU employers are seeking Registered Nurses, Licensed
Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, Dietary Workers,
Environmental Service Workers, Home Care Workers and others to
fill important roles.

Paul, Weiss is offering this Coronavirus Relief Center

Paul, Weiss is offering this Coronavirus Relief Center as a
clearinghouse of the most up-to-date information about available
city, state, federal and nonprofit resources available to those
contending with COVID-19 economic impacts.

Mobilization for Justice

What You Need to Know About Tenants’ Rights During COVID-19 Outbreak.

Food Supports

Grab and Go Meals for Children and Adults

The New York City Department of Education is committed to making three free meals available daily for any New Yorker. Any New Yorker who wants one can get three free meals a day at more than 400 Meal Hubs across the city.

Invisible Hands is a group of engaged volunteers from communities at the least risk for severe COVID-19 reactions working to bring groceries and supplies to those in high-risk demographics.

Amazon Accepting SNAP for Food Deliveries

Have your Benefit Card ready and order on-line at:

Education

NYC Department of Education Information on Remote Learning

New York City public schools launched remote learning for all students on Monday, March 23, 2020. Remote learning allows teachers to deliver their lessons online, and students can complete assignments, projects, and assessments just like they would in the classroom. If your student needs a device for remote learning, fill out the Remote Learning Device Request as soon as possible.

NYC Regional Enrichment Centers

Regional Enrichment Centers are places where the children of essential workers can be safely cared for while their parents continue to serve the city in this time of need. Staffed by DOE employees and community-based organization partners, the centers will provide children with three daily hot meals, remote learning time with their teachers, activities like art, music, and physical education, and social and emotional support.

Free Internet Access

Providers Offering FREE Wi-Fi or Special Accommodations for 60 Days

Free 60-Day Spectrum Broadband Internet and WiFi

Charter Communications is offering free Spectrum Internet and WiFi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students AND educators, who do not already have a Spectrum Internet subscription. Contact Spectrum at 1-844-488-8395 to sign up. A free self-installation kit will be provided to new student and educator households.

New York Online Virtual Electronic Library (NOVELNY)

An online library of hundreds of magazines, newspapers, maps, charts, research and reference books that are available to every New Yorker, free of charge.

New York Times High School Access

Free digital access for high school students until July 6th.

Health

COVID-19 Resources for People with Disabilities

The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities has gathered information specifically to inform people with disabilities on the resources available to the population during NYC’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

New York Connects – 1-844-862-7930

NY Connects provides information about long term services and supports in the five boroughs of New York for people of all ages or with any type of disability. Their focus is for community members to remain independent; understand care options; find transportation; learn about supports in caregiving; get answers about Medicaid, Medicare, and health insurance; apply for benefits; find housing and more. During this time, team members at NY Connects are available and will continue to work with partners and consumers via telephone.

Connecting services to people with emergency cases. Clients can chat with staff via the webpage or visit their Facebook page.

Headspace

Free collection of meditation, sleep, and movement exercises are here to support you through stressful and challenging times. Also available in Spanish.

Mental & Behavioral Health

NYC Well – 1-888-NYC-WELL

If you are extra anxious, stressed or depressed, call 1-888-NYC-WELL to speak to trained counselors for FREE. You can also text “WELL” to 61573 or chat online. Counselors are available 24/7 Learn More:

ThriveNYC

A new guide from ThriveNYC includes information on how City agencies are modifying mental health services during the COVID-19 crisis and identifies resources for all New Yorkers as well as services tailored to the needs of aging New Yorkers, veterans, students and young people, and people harmed by violence, crime or abuse.

Health and Well-Being App Library

ThriveNYC has compiled an App Library featuring apps and online tools to help you manage your health and emotional wellbeing.

NYS Office of Mental Health Emotional Support Line: 1-844-863-9314

The Emotional Support Line provides free and confidential support, helping callers experiencing increased anxiety due to the coronavirus emergency. The Help Line is staffed by volunteers, including mental health professionals, who have received training in crisis counseling.

NYC COVID-19: Coping and Emotional Well-being

National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-273-8255

Remote AA Meetings

Online Addiction Support

National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

Listing of free, national hotlines and helplines that can assist parents, caregivers, families and youth.

Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety

A project by Shine compiles and shares resources for anxiety and your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty.

Safety

NYC’s 24 hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-4673

For survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, New York City’s Family Justice Centers are still available by phone to provide vital services for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, including legal consultations, counseling sessions, safety planning, case management, and FJC updates. For emergencies, call 911.

Resource pages for immigrants, survivors of domestic violence, people with disabilities, people who use drugs, and incarcerated populations.

Youth Resources

Trevor Project for LGBTQ Youth

A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. Trained counselors are available 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call 1-866-488-7386 or visit www.thetrevorproject.org.

Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center

Doors remain open Monday through Saturday to all young people who need services. Call 212-423-3000.

Gay Center

The information and referral team is operating virtual front desks from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 212-620-7310 or www.gaycenter.org.

Covenant House for Homeless Youth

Doors remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for young people experiencing homelessness. Call 212-613-0300 or visit www.covenanthouse.org.

Growing Up NYC

Stay-at-home activities and resources for teens.

INCLUDEnyc for Young People with Disabilities

INCLUDEnyc, a provider of training and information for young people with any disability in New York City, their families, and the professionals who support them, has compiled resources relating to the COVID-19 crisis.

NYC Parks is making important service changes. Find out more about additional safety precautions, program cancellations, and potential closures before you head to a park or recreation center.

New York State Parks

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) encourage New Yorkers to recreate locally, practice social distancing, and use common sense to protect themselves and others.

Children’s Museum of Manhattan

While the Museum is closed, CMOM educators are creating videos, sing-a-longs, games and more for families to do together at home.

New York Hall of Science

Subscribe to get new at-home activities and projects in your email inbox every week and to access NYSCI’s collection of free, at-home games, activities, apps, experiments and projects, organized by grade level.

Mindfulness for Parents

Mindfulness is one strategy that can reduce the stress of being a parent. Mindfulness is a way of being. Practicing mindfulness means paying attention to what’s happening in the moment and accepting those experiences and feelings without judgment. What does that look like in the everyday life of a parent?

Hunts Point Community Partnership put togetherCOVID-19 Resource Kit for Community District 2 (Hunts Point/Longwood):

BROOKLYN COVID-19 Mutual Aid Resource Guide

United for Brownsville has created a Resource Manual where New Yorkers can find and submit resources for Brooklkyn community members including childcare, employment, food access, housing, education, health & mental health, and more.

A group of community leaders and volunteers who are offering food and supplies delivery to those in need, those sick with COVID, and the elderly. This exemplifies the community coming together volunteering selflessly helping their neighbors with food deliveries, laundry, medication deliveries, and more.

For Organizations

Mutual Aid NYC

A network of groups organizing to provide aid and support in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are everyday New Yorkers working to lift up local organizing, connect people to resources, and build a citywide movement to address this crisis.

NYC Nonprofits

Provides guidance and answers to questions about nonprofit operations, business continuity and programming during these critical days. With the rapidly changing environment, they are providing updates and adapting policies regularly.

National Council of Nonprofits Covid-19 Resource Page

The NYC COVID-19 Response & Impact Fund

This fund was created by the New York Community Trust to aid nonprofit service providers struggling with the health and economic effects of the coronavirus. It will give grants and loans to NYC-based nonprofits that are trying to meet the new and urgent needs that are hitting the city. Priority will be given to nonprofits addressing essential healthcare and food insecurity as well as arts and culture, because New York is the cultural capital of the nation.

The Robin Hood Relief Fund

The Robin Hood Relief Fund is helping New Yorkers by supporting the nonprofit organizations on the frontlines. Robin Hood anticipates making grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in New York City that are well-positioned to serve low-income communities.

COVID-19: Information for Healthcare Providers

The Communications Network

Foundations and nonprofits that communicate well are stronger, smarter, and vastly more effective. The Communications network is holding a series of virtual roundtables to help organizations find and manage their way through the COVID19 outbreak.

For Practitioners

Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program

The Citi Bike Critical Workforce Membership Program provides the first responder, healthcare, and transit workforce with a free month of Citi Bike membership. Employers should email herobikes@lyft.com to obtain enrollment information for their staff.

Telehealth for People Served by OMH Licensed Programs

Supplemental Guidance Regarding Use of Telehealth for People Served by OMH Licensed or Designated Programs Affected by the Disaster Emergency that expands the definition of telemental health and the types of staff able to use telemental health during the duration of the declared disaster emergency.

The McSilver Institute

The McSilver Institute is providing online resources relating to the ongoing COVID-19 (caused by the novel coronavirus) pandemic, in order to aid practicing professionals, researchers, and other members of our community searching for reliable and relevant information.

United Hospital Fund

Resources for pediatric health care providers to support families: infographics and fact sheets, suitable for display or distribution in the office/practice, practice parameters and guidance, stress management and self-care for health providers.

Healthcare Volunteers (NYS)

NYS is seeking qualified health, mental health, and related professionals who are interested in supporting the state’s response.

Healthcare Volunteers (NYC)

The City of New York is seeking licensed healthcare workers to support healthcare facility needs during this challenging time. Those interested must complete a two-step process to have their license(s) verified and to be properly matched the available staffing requests.